Ovarian antibodies
- Description
- Autoantibodies to ovarian tissue are mainly restricted to the theca cells. These are steroid producing cells and it has been demonstrated that the molecular target is the enzyme 17/alpha-hydroxylase (17/alpha-OH). Antibodies to 17/alpha-OH are found in patients with ovarian failure with autoimmune Addison's disease (100%) and to a lesser extent in both autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes types 1 and 2 without ovarian failure. The incidence is reportedly very low in other autoimmune disorders such type1 diabetes and thyroid disease. The assay is an indirect immunofluorescence type using monkey ovary as a substrate.
- Reference range
Negative
- Units
- Negative / Positive
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Diagnostic Immunology
- Sample type and volume required
- Clotted (Gold top vacutainer)
- Special sample instructions
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
- Storage and transport
- Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
- Turnaround time
- 21 working days
- Time limit for extra tests
- 10 days